London Air Defence Area


The London Air Defence Area was the name given to the organisation created to defend London from the increasing threat from German airships during World War I. Formed in September 1915, it was commanded initially by Admiral Sir Percy Scott, a controversial figure, responsible for major advances in naval gunnery techniques, but also accused of insubordination and profiting from his inventions.
In August 1917 Major-General Edward Ashmore was appointed Commander of the London Air Defence Area.

Airfields

At the end of the war, the following airfields came under the direct control of LADA:
StationBranchGrid
Reference		Station
Opened		Station
Closed		SquadronsCurrent UseExternal Link
Stow Maries AerodromeRFC9/19161919B Flt, 37 SqnAgriculture. Most buildings still present.
GoldhangerRNAS / RFCC Flt, 37 Sqn
Hainault FarmRFC10/191444 SqnAgriculture / light industry. Hangars still present.
BekesbourneHousing / agriculture
MattishallAgriculture
Tydd St Mary8/19175/1919B Flt, 51 SqnAgriculture
MarhamRoyal Air Force flying station
RochfordA Flt, 37 Sqn
Hadleigh
Elmswell
Suttons FarmRFCHornchurch Country Park and housing estate
Throwley
Biggin HillLondon Biggin Hill Airport
Detling